HONOURABLY WOUNDED
By Marjory F. Foyle
Monarch Books. £7.99
ISBN 1 85424 543 0
Hymn writer George Matheson once confessed: 'Something happened to me which was known only to myself and which caused me the most severe suffering.'
We don't know what that something was, and maybe George Matheson himself didn't understand, but we know that mental suffering has been endured by many of God's people. The Psalms often express the hurt with which the children of God struggle.
Honourably Wounded by Dr. Marjory Foyle was first published in 1987. It has now been expanded, updated and re-released. It is a straightforward and honest look at the causes and possible cures of depression, stress and burn out. Dr. Foyle combines her medical expertise with sane biblical insights. She covers issues such as discouragement, interpersonal relationships, stress and singleness, missionary marriage, burn out and culture shock. In contrast to the oft-repeated and hurtful attitude which says 'snap out of it', or the condemning approach which says there is sin or self-pity in a depressive's life, Honourably Wounded oozes understanding and compassion. While having a strong missionary emphasis, the book is of use to all involved in Christian work and I'm glad it has been re-issued.
Some time later George Matheson said: 'I shall endeavour to forget my thorn; I shall do my work in spite of it; the mission of my life shall not fail because of ... sufferings. I shall find my God-appointed task in the face of every hardship and pain.' If Dr. Foyle's book leads Christian workers today to a similar conclusion, then her book will have been blessed indeed.
